Flute Sonata in C Major, BWV 1033 - Adagio

Develop expressive slow movement playing
Master Bach's contrapuntal style
Practice beautiful sustained tone

About This Piece

Composer: J.S. Bach (1685-1750)

Difficulty: Early Intermediate

Notes Used: C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C (high), D (high)

Time Signature: 4/4

Key: C Major

Fingering Review

Full Movement (Simplified)

This beautiful slow movement demonstrates Bach's gift for expressive melodic writing. Play with deep feeling and a singing tone.

Practice Tips

Adagio tempo: Very slow and expressive - let each note breathe
Singing quality: Make the recorder "sing" like the human voice
Long phrases: Plan your breathing to support long melodic lines
Bach's style: Notice the logical, inevitable flow of the melody

Practice Exercises

Review the C Major scale.

Shape the noble opening gesture.

Practice the expressive descent.

Work on smooth stepwise passages.

Master the closing gesture with suspension.

Historical Context

The Flute Sonata in C Major, BWV 1033, is one of several sonatas Bach composed for flute (or recorder). While scholars debate whether this sonata is entirely by Bach or possibly by a student, the Adagio movement displays characteristics of Bach's expressive slow-movement writing. Composed during Bach's Cöthen period (1717-1723) or possibly later in Leipzig, this sonata reflects Bach's interest in chamber music for wind instruments. The Adagio showcases Bach's gift for creating deeply expressive melodies from simple stepwise motion and careful harmonic progressions. The movement's contemplative character and logical melodic development make it an excellent introduction to Bach's instrumental style for developing players. When played on the recorder, this movement highlights the instrument's capacity for sustained, singing tone.

Performance Goal: Produce a warm, singing tone throughout this movement. Shape each phrase with natural breath, as if the recorder were singing words. Focus on connecting notes smoothly and expressively, allowing the inherent beauty of Bach's melodic writing to shine through.

Next Steps

Once you can play this movement confidently, try:

Adding subtle vibrato on longer notes for warmth
Experimenting with slight rubato for expression
Learning other Bach flute sonata movements
Comparing this with other Baroque slow movements